The importance of parallel process in debriefing crisis counsellors

This article extends the idea of parallel process from the therapeutic situation to crisis circumstances where similar processes can occur. Parallel processes have a particular relevance in a crisis since critical incidents tend to raise the emotional climate of the counseling situation. The processes that occur with a group of victims in the aftermath of a crisis can be reenacted between counsellors working with the victims and this has implications for clinical work. As example of such a situation is discussed as are the ramifications for the debriefing of counsellors.